Uk/China Low Energy Co-Operation

The Parliamentary Information Office reported in 2010 on the building of the 2050 Pathway Calculator and has been flowing closely its adaptation for use in other countries

Unprecedented collaboration between energy strategists from the UK and China will culminate today in the start of a high level conference, 18-21st September in Beijing, aimed at understanding how best to tackle climate change and ensure energy security.

China’s Energy Research Institute (ERI) has been working with its British counterparts to adapt the UK Government’s ‘2050 Calculator’ to their own economy. The online tool, which will be available to the public, exposes the risks and trade-offs associated with different future energy scenarios. For example: what balance could be struck between energy efficiency and building new power supply? What is the role for new nuclear? Which technologies will be adopted?

The UK is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050, relative to 1990 levels. We need a transformation of the UK economy while ensuring secure, low carbon energy supplies to 2050, and face major choices about how to do this. In 2010, the Department for Energy and Climate Change built the 2050 Calculator to help the public engage in the debate and for Government to ensure its short- and medium-term planning was consistent with achieving the long-term aim. In the Carbon Plan published in December 2011, the Calculator was used to illustrate three 2050 futures that show some of the plausible routes towards meeting the target.

The 2050 Pathways work presents a framework through which to consider some of the choices and trade-offs we will have to make over the next forty years. It is system-wide, covering all parts of the economy and all greenhouse gases emissions released in the UK. It is rooted in scientific and engineering realities, looking at what is thought to be physically and technically possible in each sector.

The Department for Energy and Climate Change is working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Department for International Development to engage with experts from other countries in developing 2050 Calculators.

The 2050 Calculator can be readily adapted for use by other countries: China, Belgium and South Korea have already tailored the Calculator for their own use.

Following dialogue between the UK and the Chinese Government, the Chinese Energy Research Institute decided to build their own China 2050 Calculator, to be published at the 2050 Energy and Emissions Pathways Conference.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with the support of the British Embassy Beijing, are to jointly host the conference, alongside China’s Energy Research Institute (ERI), which will showcase the work to date and look to further countries taking part.

Ed Davey, DECC Secretary of State, said:

“The 2050 Calculator is a ground-breaking tool to help countries better plan their future energy strategy, in a transparent and evidence-based way. We welcome the work of our Chinese colleagues.”

Using the latest and most detailed data available, ERI have created a tool that allows the user to select how China will achieve its energy security up to 2050. The tool covers the entire energy sector, and will be open to experts and ordinary people alike, to model how different energy decisions will affect the whole country.

The UK’s 2050 Calculator, the first of its kind created, provides a comprehensive analysis of plausible pathways to a secure, low carbon energy system in the UK to 2050.

An online user-friendly web application, My2050, is also available in the UK, which allows the public to develop their own energy scenarios out to 2050.

DECC Director of Strategy, Ravi Gurumurthy said:

“We are collaborating with China and other countries in building a wider base for this innovative and practical analysis, and I would like to invite other interested countries to join us in enriching this collaboration further.”

Together, the UK and China will engage with other developing and developed countries at the Conference to promote the use of this modelling methodology.

The Parliamentary Yearbook will continue to report on environmental issues and their impact on the UK as we go through the months ahead.

Web: www.parliamentaryinformationoffice.co.uk

Email: parliamentaryyearbook@blakemedia.org

18th September 2012

Uk/China Low Energy Co-Operation

The Parliamentary Information Office reported in 2010 on the building of the 2050 Pathway

Calculator and has been flowing closely its adaptation for use in other countries

Unprecedented collaboration between energy strategists from the UK and China will culminate

today in the start of a high level conference, 18-21st September in Beijing, aimed at understanding

how best to tackle climate change and ensure energy security.

China’s Energy Research Institute (ERI) has been working with its British counterparts to adapt the

UK Government’s ‘2050 Calculator’ to their own economy. The online tool, which will be available

to the public, exposes the risks and trade-offs associated with different future energy scenarios. For

example: what balance could be struck between energy efficiency and building new power supply?

What is the role for new nuclear? Which technologies will be adopted?

The UK is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050, relative

to 1990 levels. We need a transformation of the UK economy while ensuring secure, low carbon

energy supplies to 2050, and face major choices about how to do this. In 2010, the Department for

Energy and Climate Change built the 2050 Calculator to help the public engage in the debate and

for Government to ensure its short- and medium-term planning was consistent with achieving the

long-term aim. In the Carbon Plan published in December 2011, the Calculator was used to illustrate

three 2050 futures that show some of the plausible routes towards meeting the target

The 2050 Pathways work presents a framework through which to consider some of the choices

and trade-offs we will have to make over the next forty years. It is system-wide, covering all parts

of the economy and all greenhouse gases emissions released in the UK. It is rooted in scientific and

engineering realities, looking at what is thought to be physically and technically possible in each

sector.

The Department for Energy and Climate Change is working with the Foreign and Commonwealth

Office, and the Department for International Development to engage with experts from other

countries in developing 2050 Calculators.

The 2050 Calculator can be readily adapted for use by other countries: China, Belgium and South

Korea have already tailored the Calculator for their own use.

Following dialogue between the UK and the Chinese Government, the Chinese Energy Research

Institute decided to build their own China 2050 Calculator, to be published at the 2050 Energy and

Emissions Pathways Conference.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with the

support of the British Embassy Beijing, are to jointly host the conference, alongside China’s Energy

Research Institute (ERI), which will showcase the work to date and look to further countries taking

part.

Ed Davey, DECC Secretary of State, said:

“The 2050 Calculator is a ground-breaking tool to help countries better plan their future energy

strategy, in a transparent and evidence-based way. We welcome the work of our Chinese

colleagues.”

Using the latest and most detailed data available, ERI have created a tool that allows the user to

select how China will achieve its energy security up to 2050. The tool covers the entire energy

sector, and will be open to experts and ordinary people alike, to model how different energy

decisions will affect the whole country.

The UK’s 2050 Calculator, the first of its kind created, provides a comprehensive analysis of plausible

pathways to a secure, low carbon energy system in the UK to 2050.

An online user-friendly web application, My2050, is also available in the UK, which allows the public

to develop their own energy scenarios out to 2050.

DECC Director of Strategy, Ravi Gurumurthy said:

“We are collaborating with China and other countries in building a wider base for this innovative

and practical analysis, and I would like to invite other interested countries to join us in enriching this

collaboration further.”

Together, the UK and China will engage with other developing and developed countries at the

Conference to promote the use of this modelling methodology.

The Parliamentary Yearbook will continue to report on environmental issues and their impact on the

UK as we go through the months ahead.

Web: www.parliamentaryinformationoffice.co.uk

Email: parliamentaryyearbook@blakemedia.org

18th September 2012

Increase In Number Of Free Schools

The Parliamentary Information Office has been monitoring progress in Government policy relating to education, particularly relating to the plurality of our system and continues to report on changes as they occur

The Government yesterday announced that 55 new Free Schools will open this September. The first 24 Free Schools opened in September 2011 while a further 114 have been approved to open in 2013 and beyond.

Free Schools aim to achieve higher standards and offer a genuine alternative. They are funded by the Government but have greater freedoms than local authority-run schools. They are run by teachers – not local councils or Westminster politicians – and have freedom over the length of the school day and term, the curriculum and how they spend their money.

Independent state schools have existed for several decades. In the 1980s, City Technology Colleges were established in deprived areas. In the 1990s, existing state schools were given more freedom and independence under the status of Grant Maintained schools. In 2000, Academies were established – like City Technology Colleges, they are independent state schools in deprived areas, with sponsors from business and education. In 2005 the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, expanded the Academy programme, citing charter schools in the United States and Free Schools in Sweden as a model for the UK.

The schools opening this month include:

• Dixon’s Music Primary Academy, in Bradford, which is the first specialist music primary school in England.
• Everton in the Community Free School, on Merseyside. The alternative provision school is being run by Everton Football Club and will cater for pupils aged 14 to 19 not in mainstream education.
• Bilingual Primary School, in Brighton & Hove, will be the first bilingual Free School in England, specialising in English and Spanish.
• School 21, in Newham, east London, is a teacher-led all-through Free School, including a sixth-form, in an area of significant deprivation. One of the founder members, and the executive head teacher, is Peter Hyman, previously a speech-writer for ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair.
• Rosewood Special Free School, in Southampton. A special school for children who have Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities.
• Tiger Primary School, in Maidstone, Kent, where all children will learn Mandarin and a musical instrument.
• Perry Beeches II The Free School, in Birmingham, is a new 11-18 Free School set up by an existing outstanding secondary school, Perry Beeches The Academy. The academy’s head, Liam Nolan, turned round the school’s performance from 21 per cent of pupils achieving five A*-C GCSEs including English and maths in 2007 to 77 per cent this year.
• London Academy of Excellence, in Newham, east London. This is a sixth-form Free School which is being run by eight leading independent schools including Brighton College and Eton College.

Of the new Free Schools opening this September, 19 are primary schools, 19 are secondary schools and seven are all-age schools. There is one 14-19 school and one 16-19 school. Five are alternative provision schools – the first Free Schools of their type – and three are special schools.

The schools are spread across England. They are primarily concentrated in areas of deprivation or areas where there is a shortage of school places. 25 of the 55 schools are located in the most deprived 25 per cent of communities in the country. 33 of the schools are in areas where there is need for more school places.

12 have been set up by teachers, 19 by parent or community groups, 9 by charities and 13 are set up by existing education providers. Two existing independent schools will join the state sector as Free Schools.

Groups that were successful in applying to open a Free School went through a robust process to make sure they were suitable and capable to run a school. They had to:

• provide evidence of demand for the particular new local school they wanted to set up;
• set out in detail the curriculum the school would offer, the type of teachers it would recruit, and how the school would run its pupil admissions to make sure they are fair;
• develop robust plans for how the school planned to run its finances (which then were scrutinised to make sure the school was financially viable);
• secure an appropriate site for the school that provided value for money for the taxpayer; and
• be CRB checked and undergo in-depth vetting by the Department’s Due Diligence Unit.

Like other state-funded schools, Free Schools are inspected by Ofsted, will have their exam and test results published and will have to teach a broad and balanced curriculum. Action will be taken if results slip or if teaching isn’t up to scratch. Free Schools also have to abide by the same rules for pupil admissions as other schools – making sure that these are fair and inclusive of children from different backgrounds.

Education Secretary Michael Gove said:

“Every child should have the choice to go to an excellent local school. These new schools have been set up by idealistic people who are determined to give parents the kind of choice that only the rich can currently afford. The first 24 Free Schools are enormously popular and I expect this second wave to be equally successful.”

Liam Nolan, executive head teacher of Perry Beeches II, Birmingham, said:

“This is a fabulous opportunity for us to expand our brand of success into a new community and to work with a new group of young people in the heart of Birmingham. This is one of the beauties of Free Schools, that the very best schools can extend their outstanding practice.”

Marina Gutierrez, Chair of the Bilingual Primary School Trust, Brighton, said:

“I am delighted that this project has now become a reality and that Brighton & Hove's children will have bilingualism as an educational choice.”

Free Schools have proved hugely popular with parents. All 24 which opened last year have filled, or almost filled, all their places for this year. Many have expanded to meet demand and many have large waiting lists.

New York Charter Schools, one of the inspirations behind Free Schools, have been shown to substantially narrow the attainment gap between rich and poor – by 86 per cent in maths and 66 per cent in English. In Chicago they halve the achievement gap between inner-city students and their wealthier suburban counterparts.

In England academies, which have the same freedoms as Free Schools, improve at a faster rate to state secondary schools – between 2010 and 2011 the proportion of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at A* to C including English and maths rose by 5.7 per cent in academies, compared to 3.1 per cent in state secondary schools.

The Parliamentary Information Office will continue to report on free school development as we go through the months ahead.


Web: www.parliamentaryyearbookinformationoffice.co.uk
Email: parliamentaryyearbook@blakemedia.org
4^th September 2012

2012 Inclusion Summit

The Parliamentary Information Office has watched with considerable interest the changes in attitudes and the effect of the London Paralympic Games as part of its commitment to monitor community action to increase diversity and inclusiveness in our business and social activities

As the world gathers to experience the inspiring Paralympic Games in London, business leaders, governments and the Paralympic Movement have come together for a two day summit to discuss inclusion and accessibility, how this impacts on society, and what the Paralympic Games represent as a catalyst for societal change.

The summit aims to build on the success of the Accessibility Summit in Vancouver in 2010 and is being run by the IPC Academy and held in Lancaster House from 6^th to 8^th September.

Just opposite Buckingham Palace and close to St James’ Palace, Lancaster House is a stunning venue. A classic example of opulent Victorian design, with its ornate decoration and the dramatic sweep of it’s great staircase, Lancaster House has set the scene for what is an important and vital occasion.

At the London 2012 Paralympic Games the world has been inspired by the remarkable performances of Paralympians. Indeed, the Paralympic Games are first and foremost about elite sport as the pinnacle of achievement for these athletes and teams. More broadly the Games provide a platform and a point in time for the world to reflect and appreciate the diverse nature of the people around us. As such, the Paralympic Movement inherently creates an inclusive and accessible ethos which leads societies it touches towards progressively inclusive communities.

Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary General said of the paralympic movement:

“The United Nations convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities aims to achieve human rights and development for all. The Paralympic Games are a powerful force for advancing this objective; they inspire not only athletes, but all of us, to recognize the unlimited potential of all persons”.

Presenters at the Summit include:

• Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee
• Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Olympic & Paralympic Games
• Stevan Griffiths, Head of Technical Services, International Rugby Board
• Dmitry Chernyshenko, President, Sochi 2014 Organising Committee
• Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President, Rio 2016 Organising Committee
• Stephen Frost, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, LOCOG
• Margaret Hickish, Inclusive Design Director, Movement Strategies
• Peter Searle, CEO UK and Ireland, Adecco
• Keith Williams, CEO, British Airways
• Gerry Walsh, Head of Procurement, LOCOG
• Patrick de Maeseneire, CEO Adecco Group
• Bruce Roch, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Adecco Group, France
• Steve Girdler, Director of London 2012 Partnership, Adecco
• Katja Saarinen, active paralympic athlete
• Aileen McGlynn OBE, active paralympic athlete
• Florence Gravellier, retired paralympian athlete
• Jayne Pletser-Dent, Curriculum Manager for Inclusive Education, International Baccalaureate
• Patrick Glennon, Senior Vice President for the International Paralympic Committee
• Daniel Moylan, Chairman, London Legacy Development Corporation

The Summit is being presented in partnership with the Adecco Group, one of the world's leading provider of HR solutions, and UK Trade & Investment, the UK Government department that works with businesses based in the UK to ensure their success in international markets.

Patrick De Maeseneire, CEO Adecco Group said:

"The skills, drive, commitment and resilience that Paralympians bring to the workplace are truly unique. We experience this first hand at Adecco, where Paralympic athletes are a part of our team. Through our involvement in the IPC Athlete Career Programme, we are able to share with other companies how valuable Paralympians are for their workforce while we support the athletes themselves on their career paths beyond elite sports. The inclusion of people with disabilities in the working world is high on our agenda and we are proud of Adecco UK’s role as the Official Recruitment Services Provider for the London 2012 Games. With a key focus on diversity and a disability talent pool, this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games can be assured of a truly diverse and inclusive workforce.”

The Parliamentary Information Office will continue to report on inclusiveness as we go through the months ahead.

Web: www.parliamentaryyearbookinformationoffice.co.uk
Email: parliamentaryyearbook@blakemedia.org
7^t September 2012

Coalition Cabinet Shuffle

The Parliamentary Information Office is, with constitutional pundits generally, following closely the reaction to the Prime Minister’s first Cabinet shuffle since the General Election in 2010.

David Cameron has shuffled his cabinet, making thirteen changes in total and raising much speculation about a shift of his government to the right leaving the Lib Dems and the coalition weakened over policies such as crime, the environment, Heathrow airport and business-friendly policies.

Downing Street itself announced that the shuffle, which would be the only major change made to the Cabinet before the 2015 election, is an attempt to promote ministers capable of delivering on policies already announced.

At Prime Minister’s questions today Mr Cameron said, in response to a question by the Leader of the Opposition “Let me explain what this reshuffle is all about. It is not that there are two economic Departments in our country, the Treasury and Business; I want every single Department to be about the economy. I want the transport department building roads; I want the communities department building houses; I want the culture department rolling out broadband; and I want the agriculture department backing British food. This is a Government who mean business, and we have got the team to deliver it.”

In a symbol of the commitment to delivery, Mr Cameron has appointed LOCOG chief executive, Paul Deighton, as Treasury minister based in the Lords to deliver infrastructure.

Although No 10 said the shuffle did not mean any change in coalition policy, his appointments have caused much speculation to the contrary.

Justine Greening, a fierce opponent of a third runway at Heathrow, along with Theresa Villiers, another opponent, have been moved from Transport. Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary has been demoted following his handling of health reforms to be replaced by a surprise appointment in Jeremy Hunt. Chris Grayling’s appointment as Justice Secretary in place of Ken Clarke is seen by many as a move to the right on sentencing, legal aid and the Human Rights Act.

Only three Ministers have been moved entirely from Government … Caroline Spelman from Environment; Cheryl Gillan from the Wales Office and Sir George Young as Leader of the House.

The full Cabinet list is shown below:

Rt Hon David Cameron mp (Con)
Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service

Rt Hon Nick Clegg mp (LD)
Deputy Prime Minister, Lord President of the Council 

Rt Hon George Osborne mp (Con)
Chancellor of the Exchequer

Rt Hon William Hague mp (Con)
First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

Rt Hon Chris Grayling mp (Con)
Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice

Rt Hon Theresa May mp (Con)
Secretary of State for the Home Department

Rt Hon Philip Hammond mp (Con)
Secretary of State for Defence

Rt Hon Dr Vincent Cable mp (LD)
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith mp (Con)
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Rt Hon Edward Davey mp (LD)
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change

Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt mp (Con)
Secretary of State for Health

Rt Hon Michael Gove mp (Con)
Secretary of State for Education

Rt Hon Eric Pickles mp (Con)
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin mp (Con)
Secretary of State for Transport

Rt Hon Owen Paterson mp (Con)
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Rt Hon Justine Greening mp (Con)
Secretary of State for International Development

Rt Hon Theresa Villiers mp (Con)
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Rt Hon Michael Moore mp (LD)
Secretary of State for Scotland (and provides ministerial support to the Deputy Prime Minister in the Cabinet Office)

Rt Hon David Jones mp (Con)
Secretary of State for Wales


Rt Hon Maria Miller mp (Con)
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Minister for Women and Equalities

Rt Hon Danny Alexander mp (LD)
Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Rt Hon Lord Strathclyde (Con)
Leader of the House of Lords, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Rt Hon Grant Shapps mp (Con)
Minister without Portfolio (Minister of State)

Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke qc, mp (Con)
 Minister without Portfolio, Cabinet Office

Also attending Cabinet meetings

Rt Hon Francis Maude mp (Con)
Minister for the Cabinet Office, Paymaster General

Rt Hon Oliver Letwin mp (Con)
Minister of State — Cabinet Office (providing policy advice to the Prime Minister in the Cabinet Office)

Rt Hon David Willetts mp (Con)
Minister of State (Universities and Science) — Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Rt Hon Andrew Lansley mp (Con)
Leader of the House of Commons, Lord Privy Seal

Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell mp (Con)
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and Chief Whip

Also invited to attend Cabinet meetings when required

Rt Hon Dominic Grieve qc, mp (Con)
Attorney-General

The Parliamentary Information Office will watch developments with considerable interest and continue to report on this and other constitutional issues.

Web: www.parliamentaryyearbookinformationoffice.co.uk
Email: parliamentaryyearbook@blakemedia.org
5^th September 2012